The Harvard Historical Commission is strongly in favor of the town developing a public sewer system in town center, also called the Harvard Common Historical District. There are two primary reasons for this.
As houses change hands, in order to bring them into Title V compliance, there will be a necessity to construct septic “mounds.” Parcel sizes and layout within the district are small, and such mounds would be unusually visible there. Septic mounds are unsightly in any context, but particularly incongruous with the historical district. Board of Health regulations supersede the authority of the Historical District Commission, but were this not the case, we would be disinclined to allow such modifications to the district, based on aesthetic considerations. A centralized sewer system would alleviate the requirement for septic mounds and help to preserve the unique centuries-old character of this greatly treasured architectural landscape.
We believe that a centralized sewer system is necessary for the Common to thrive. Preservation of all structures requires inhabitants to be actively engaged in their usage and to be vigilant in ensuring their upkeep. An appropriate sewer system will better support the activity of Harvard’s houses of worship, General Store, library, schools, beach, and other core activities that we residents value so much. This active stewardship is essential to perpetuating the existence of the beautiful structures that grace the Common.
From practical and aesthetic perspectives, we offer our full support to the efforts toward developing a sensible centralized sewer system. We appreciate those who are working so diligently to bring about these much-needed changes.
Jonathan Feist, chairman
Harvard Historical Commission
